Then, during the 4-1 win over Montenegro , full-back Kyle Walker picked up a caution, which means he is suspended for a match where England must win to secure automatic qualification to next summer's Finals in Brazil.

One of Manchester United duo Phil Jones and Chris Smalling is likely to replace Walker in Tuesday's clash at Wembley.

However, Hodgson evidently felt he was light on bodies and has elected to draft in Sterling - part of Gareth Southgate's Under-21 side that defeated their San Marino counterparts on Thursday.

Jamaica-born Sterling became the fifth-youngest player in England history when he started the friendly defeat in Sweden last November.

The 18-year-old has not featured for the senior side since, although he was part of the squad that defeated Moldova and drew in Ukraine last month.

England head into the final set of fixtures leading Group H by a point.

However, as second-placed Ukraine are playing rock-bottom San Marino on Tuesday, Hodgson knows victory is essential to avoid the lottery of the European play-offs.